ISLAMABAD – The spell of monsoon weather is set to lash Islamabad and several parts of Punjab, bringing rain, gusty winds and thunderstorms along with the risk of heavy downpours, urban flooding, flash floods and landslides.
The federal capital is experiencing around 80% humidity, while the maximum temperature has reached 34°C. Weather conditions are expected to remain unsettled over the weekend, with temperatures on Saturday forecast to range between 33°C and 35°C.
Islamabad and its surrounding areas are expected to experience partly cloudy weather, rain-wind and strong winds on Saturday night. Heavy rainfall is also possible during the period. The wet conditions are likely to continue on Sunday, when another round of rain, gusty winds and thunderstorms is expected in the capital and adjoining areas. Heavy rainfall could occur in some locations.
Heavy rainfall could create waterlogging and urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Several districts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also at risk, including Mardan, Swabi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore.
Authorities said that intense rainfall could also cause flash flooding in local streams and nullahs across Kashmir, Murree, Galiyat and Islamabad-Rawalpindi.
Residents in mountainous regions have been advised to remain particularly cautious, as landslides are possible in mountainous parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galiyat and Kashmir.
The prevailing weather situation is being driven by moderate monsoon currents penetrating the upper and central parts of Pakistan.
A westerly wave is also affecting the upper regions of the country and is expected to remain influential during the next two days. The interaction of these weather systems is likely to keep several areas under the threat of rain and thunderstorms.
Punjab Weather Update
Punjab is preparing for another spell of monsoon rainfall through August 23, with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) warning of possible urban and flash flooding across vulnerable districts.
Recent rainfall figures show intensity of the ongoing monsoon activity. Sialkot recorded 87mm of rain, the highest among the reported areas, while Murree and Narowal each received 53mm. Rawalpindi recorded 21mm of rainfall.
More showers are expected in northern, central and southern Punjab. Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Narowal have been specifically identified as areas where heavy rainfall could result in urban flooding.
The authorities have also highlighted the possibility of landslides in Murree and Galiyat, while flash flooding could occur in natural waterways and streams following heavy rain.
Authorities have been placed on alert to respond to potential weather-related emergencies. Authorities have advised residents to take precautions and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.
The public has been urged to stay away from unsafe or vulnerable buildings, open areas during thunderstorms, accumulated water and exposed electrical wires. People living in flood-prone and mountainous locations have also been advised to remain vigilant and follow official safety instructions.
The current monsoon system is expected to remain active for another 24 hours, meaning rain and thunderstorms could continue across Lahore and other parts of Punjab before conditions gradually change.
